Our work belongs to the larger family of work by people all over the world, to restore ecological systems and human rights so everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life in a healthy world. Our contribution to this global movement deals with the design and construction of our homes and gardens, workplaces, neighborhoods and cities, here on the Front Range of Colorado. A philosophy of simplicity guides our design process which is driven by our sunny climate, native materials, local skilled labor and active culture. We believe most current suburban zoning policies prohibit sustainable towns and cities from occurring naturally, and therefore support the transformation of low density single use zones to higher density, mixed use developments in existing neighborhoods which provide more affordable housing and local workplaces, support local economies, and local agriculture. We seek to harmonize modern industrial systems of construction with older natural building technologies such as straw bale wall systems so that our buildings can be either recycled without harm to people or the planet in the industrial system, or composted biologically. Our buildings are both resource efficient as well as high performance, effective environments for living. We strive first for the local, natural technology that requires little petroleum to manufacture or deliver to the site. We promote a healthy, simple lifestyle and strive to create homes which reflect these values. We seek to create affordable, simple shelter which celebrates a deep sense of purpose, the value of community, the local economy, and the ecological systems in which we participate. "most of all however, there is a need for a wider understanding of the values that brought nineteenth century Spanish-American pioneers to Colorado. Many people's views are not very far from those of an Anglo-American in Trinidad who in 1870 wrote Spanish-American pioneers 'lived in miserable-looking mud houses with poor crops. I believe they are content if they can keep the life in without attempting more. A few sheep and goats, sometimes a few cows, and stock cattle, and we have the sum of the Mexican wealth.' But what was the wealth of people living by undisturbed mountains and praries? If we can begin to accurately assess it, we may hope, in grace, to save ourselves. " - Robert Adams The Architecture and Art of Early Hispanic Colorado.